Dynamic atmospheric mechanisms associated with the diurnal cycle of hydrometeors and precipitation in the Andes–Amazon transition zone of central Peru during the summer season

Abstract

The diurnal cycle of total hydrometeor availability and its associated patterns of atmospheric circulation is studied over a connected Andes–Amazon (A–A) system in the central region of Peru during the summer season. Surface precipitation depends on the amount of hydrometeors that occur in the atmosphere and its atmospheric dynamics. Hydrometeors and the precipitation efficiency index were estimated using radar of the core satellite of the GPM system (N-GPM) for the period 2014–2022. The atmospheric dynamics were analyzed using the regional Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. According to the results, the Andes mountain range produces precipitation at a surface level more efficiently during the afternoon and early evening hours (12–19 LT) due to the convergence of the thermal mesoscale circulations transporting moisture fluxes from the east and west. Both generate convective multicells along the Andes mountain range. The circulation from the west intensifies during the day, causing the displacement of the chain of convective multicells towards the east and producing hydrometeors and intense precipitations in the inter-Andean valleys. The A–A transition zone is more efficient in producing precipitation during the early hours of the day (00–07 LT) due to an increase in the northern circulation associated with the low-level jets and a change in the magnitude of the horizontal winds. Northerly winds enter the A–A transition zone with increased intensity and leave with reduced intensity. This mechanism is driven by the effect of the topographical barrier and the masses of cold air located in high areas on the eastern flank of the Andes. These factors generate significant updrafts and, therefore, the formation of storm clouds with high concentrations of hydrometeors and precipitation on the surface.